Osteoarthritis of the knees is the most common form of arthritis affecting over ten million Americans. It occurs primarily among aging adults when the cartilage cushioning the bones of the knee deteriorates. When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other causing pain, swelling and loss of movement. These symptoms often make it difficult for people to walk, climb stairs or even sit.

What treatments can work?

Our program follows the guidelines written by osteoarthritis experts, who typically recommend specific therapies including medications for knee osteoarthritis. While drugs can help reduce pain and swelling, they may not be good long-term solutions due to the side effects and cost. They also do not address problems that can be caused by knee osteoarthritis such as muscle weakness, instability, lack of flexibility and structural deformities that can lead to more serious conditions.

First, your personal healthcare team will assess you or your loved one's knee function and overall health. Typically this will include an evaluation of balance, strength, flexibility, vision, diet, and medications. After this evaluation, there are several options that may be used to help your knee feel better. Some of the treatments you or your loved one may receive include light exercises and electrical simulation to help improve strength and reduce pain, special knee braces to help reduce impact to the knee and improve joint stability, and home therapy techniques to help maintain muscle strength and reduce pain.